Menu
19/12/2008
BSE Testing Age Increases
Farming Minister Michelle Gildernew has announced that the BSE testing age will increase to 48 months for all bovines from 1 January 2009.
The announcement follows official confirmation from both the Food Standards Agency and Health Ministers that they agree with this change. The minimum BSE testing age for both cattle slaughtered for human consumption and fallen cattle will increase across the UK to 48 months from 1 January 2009. However, this only applies to cattle born and reared in the EU 15 member States.
Announcing the move, the Minister said: "This is good news for the farming industry in the North as there will be some 40,000 less cattle slaughtered for human consumption requiring BSE testing annually, with savings in the region of £400,000 to industry.
"However, I would acknowledge that farmers will from 1 January 2009 have to pay for the collection and disposal of fallen cattle from 24-48 months which will no longer require BSE testing. To help farmers adjust to paying for the disposal of these animals I am putting additional funding into the National Fallen Stock Company this financial year."
Bovines born or reared outside the EU 15 member States will continue to be tested for BSE in line with current surveillance requirement that is healthy cattle slaughtered for human consumption tested at 30 months of age, and at risk animals tested at 24 months of age.
(PR/JM)
The announcement follows official confirmation from both the Food Standards Agency and Health Ministers that they agree with this change. The minimum BSE testing age for both cattle slaughtered for human consumption and fallen cattle will increase across the UK to 48 months from 1 January 2009. However, this only applies to cattle born and reared in the EU 15 member States.
Announcing the move, the Minister said: "This is good news for the farming industry in the North as there will be some 40,000 less cattle slaughtered for human consumption requiring BSE testing annually, with savings in the region of £400,000 to industry.
"However, I would acknowledge that farmers will from 1 January 2009 have to pay for the collection and disposal of fallen cattle from 24-48 months which will no longer require BSE testing. To help farmers adjust to paying for the disposal of these animals I am putting additional funding into the National Fallen Stock Company this financial year."
Bovines born or reared outside the EU 15 member States will continue to be tested for BSE in line with current surveillance requirement that is healthy cattle slaughtered for human consumption tested at 30 months of age, and at risk animals tested at 24 months of age.
(PR/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 August 2014
New Beef Regulations To Open Markets For NI Farmers
Northern Ireland beef processors will be able to label meat imported from the Republican of Ireland 'Irish', in a bid to increase 'single origin' labeling for the British and European market, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has said.
New Beef Regulations To Open Markets For NI Farmers
Northern Ireland beef processors will be able to label meat imported from the Republican of Ireland 'Irish', in a bid to increase 'single origin' labeling for the British and European market, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has said.
28 July 2021
Rapid Testing Key To Helping Tackle Pandemic - Health Minister
Rapid Testing for those without symptoms will play a key role in helping tackle the pandemic, Health Minister Robin Swann has said. The Minister was speaking during a visit to the EH Allingham Construction site on the Crumlin Rd Belfast, one of the employer led Assisted Testing Sites in operation in NI.
Rapid Testing Key To Helping Tackle Pandemic - Health Minister
Rapid Testing for those without symptoms will play a key role in helping tackle the pandemic, Health Minister Robin Swann has said. The Minister was speaking during a visit to the EH Allingham Construction site on the Crumlin Rd Belfast, one of the employer led Assisted Testing Sites in operation in NI.
23 January 2023
New Specialist Construction Materials Lab Opened
Northern Ireland's road network is set to be improved with the launch of a new construction materials testing laboratory. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) officially opened the £2 million purpose-built laboratory at Carn in Portadown.
New Specialist Construction Materials Lab Opened
Northern Ireland's road network is set to be improved with the launch of a new construction materials testing laboratory. The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) officially opened the £2 million purpose-built laboratory at Carn in Portadown.
27 September 2022
Licensed Venues To Hold Drink Spike Testing Kits
Licensed venues across Belfast will hold drink spike testing kits on their premises following the ratification of new legislation by Belfast City Council. The legislation was brought forward by Alliance Councillor Micky Murray.
Licensed Venues To Hold Drink Spike Testing Kits
Licensed venues across Belfast will hold drink spike testing kits on their premises following the ratification of new legislation by Belfast City Council. The legislation was brought forward by Alliance Councillor Micky Murray.
25 August 2022
Drink Spike Testing Kits In Bars 'A Must'
Drink spike testing kits should be available at bars and clubs across Northern Ireland, following a proposal by Alliance Councillor Micky Murray.
Drink Spike Testing Kits In Bars 'A Must'
Drink spike testing kits should be available at bars and clubs across Northern Ireland, following a proposal by Alliance Councillor Micky Murray.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
